A top chef who has worked at many Michelin-starred restaurants has brought his culinary flair to a country house hotel near Norwich.

Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall opened in March in Caistor St Edmund, offering tasting menus of up to nine courses.

Catering and events company Brasted's took over the venue during lockdown and the managing director Nick Mills has been friends with Mr Poynton for 15 years.

Norwich Evening News: Enjoy a nine-course tasting menu at Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet Enjoy a nine-course tasting menu at Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet (Image: Jean-Luc Benezet)

Mr Poynton, 42, also runs MJP at The Shepherds in Fen Ditton, near Cambridge, which he took on in June 2020 and it features in The Michelin Guide. 

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Originally from Chester, he has worked in kitchens for 28 years and before The Shepherd he ran the Michelin-starred Alimentum in Cambridge.

Norwich Evening News: Mark Poynton has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants, pictured with his son Cillian Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet Mark Poynton has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants, pictured with his son Cillian Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet (Image: Jean-Luc Benezet)

He was also with Midsummer House in Cambridge when it earnt its second coveted star. 

Mr Poynton said: "Norfolk is a beautiful place and when Nick took on Caistor Hall he asked me if I would be interested in running the restaurant.

Norwich Evening News: Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall opened in March 2023 Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall opened in March 2023 Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet (Image: Jean-Luc Benezet)

"While this is my first Norfolk restaurant, I have done pop-ups in places like Titchwell Manor.

"Everyone has been blown away by the food so far and we use the best produce from all over the world.

Norwich Evening News: Inside the newly-refurbished restaurant at Caistor Hall Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet Inside the newly-refurbished restaurant at Caistor Hall Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet (Image: Jean-Luc Benezet)

"I have travelled a lot so although the dishes are classically French in style there are lots of different flavour influences." 

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At lunchtime on Thursdays to Saturdays, from 12noon to 2pm, customers can have a three, five or nine-course meal and in the evening, from 7pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays, it is nine-course only. 

Norwich Evening News: A dessert from Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet A dessert from Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall Picture: Jean-Luc Benezet (Image: Jean-Luc Benezet)

The restaurant has had a huge refurbishment with a burnt orange and dark brown colour scheme and plush booth seating, with 30 covers across eight tables. 

It comes amid a growing reputation for the area for fine dining, with nearby Store restaurant at Stoke Mill recently earning a Michelin star. 

Booking is essential at mjpatcaistorhall.co.uk